Document

April 23-29, 2010 • Volume 4 Issue 43www.Taftindependent.com

“Serving the West Kern County Communities of Taft, South Taft, Ford City, Maricopa, Fellows, McKittrick, Derby Acres, Dustin Acres, and the Cuyama Valley”

Oilworkers Monument Site Gets Ready!

Cuyama Valley High School Annual Car Show

[email protected]

Petroleum Club Hosts Chamber Mixer

The TaftIndependent

Rotary Health Fair and Peddlers Fair at Taft High School

Mark Your Calendar For the Spring 2010

Taft Community Yard SalePut Your Yard Sale on our Map

Call The Independent at 765-6550 Today

Saturday, May 8thHouseholds - Businesses - Churches - Non-Profits

Community Organizations - SchoolsEveryone Welcome!

The Independent will Promote Your Yard, Moving or Estate Sale in our Friday, May 7th Issue FREE.

We will indicate your Yard Sale location with a flag on our centerfold color 2 Page Map of Taft. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

Deadline to Place Yard Sale Ad for this Issue is Wednesday, May 5th.

Call Today to get your yard sale on the map (661) 765-6550Please leave a message with your address, date, and time of yard sale.

Or fax us your Yard Sale Ad Information to (661) 765-6556 or email us your yard sale at [email protected]

Printed Yard Sale Signs available for $3 and Display ads available in the paper for $12 and up.

The TaftIndependent

Taft Community Yard Sale Saturday, May 8th - Sign Up Your Yard Sale by Wednesday, May 5th and Get Your Yard Sale on our Map! Call 765-6550 Today!

Rails to Trails Redevlopment Proposal Promises To Bring Life Back To Downtown Taft

Photo by Sara Bravoby Kent Miller

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT April 23-29, 2010

Passion For Nails

1014 6th Street • TaftIn the Save A Lot Shopping Center

(661)745-4913Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Gift Certificates AvailableNail Services:

Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star

(we also treat ingrown nails)Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

Next Step Cardio and Fitness Club

Open 24 Hours! 506 Center Street (661) 205-5579

Sign Up for Boot Camp Today!Guaranteed Results!

Step Aerobics Class Coming Soon!

What’s Your Style...

423 Center Street419 Center StreetTaft, Ca 93268(661)763-3527

We have Something for Everyone!New Spring Arrivals in stores NOW!

Clothing • Accessories • Jewelry • Purses Shoes • Sunglasses • Western Attire • Juniors

Skinny Jeans and Embellished TopsAnd Much More!Personal Style

Salon and Boutique&

Kids Stop

R ‘N CRibbonz ‘N Curlz Bowtique

“From classy to sassy. We have Bowz and Clothez for you”

Buy 2 Get 1 FREE!On All Hair Accessories!

All Winter CLothing now 50% off!

We Have Moved to 415 Center Street!Tuesday -Friday 10am-5pm

Saturday 10am-2pm415 Center Street • (661)345-BOWZ

101 B. Street • Taft

(661)763-9890

El Jacalito Restaurant

Mexican Food & Seafood

SPECIALSMonday - Buy 1 Dinner and get the 2nd FREE*

*On dinner combos 1- 102nd dinner must be of equal or lesser

value From 4pm - Closing.

Wednesday - Kids Eat FREE**Kids under 10 years old eat free

from Kids Menu with paying Adult From 4pm - Closing.

Saturday - Noche MexicanaSteak or Chicken Fajitas $9.95

All Mexican Beer $2.50From 4pm - Closing.

All Specials Subject to Change

Miller’s

661-763-5445 510 Center Street • Taft

Beauty Supply

Call for an appointment Today

Glam Squad on Premises

Beauty Supply • Salon • Boutique

Barbara • Melissa • Laci • Christine • Carolyn

Hair & Skin Care Products • Salon Services Synthetic Hair Wigs & Human Hair Extentions

Hair Accessories • Jewelry • Pictures & Prints • Massages

Special Effects Salon620 6th Street 661-496-9233

Certified Massage TherapistPaula D. Schweitzer

email: [email protected]

Spring Special30 Min. Massage $2560 Min. Massage $4590 Min. Massage $60

Gift Certificates Available.Available for evening appointments.

Located at:

The Historic Fort915 North Tenth St.

Suite 34623-1783

We Carry:Fox • Volcom • Infamous

Vans • SoCal • Hurley • Guess Juicy Couture • Ed Hardy

Roxy • Ugg • Victoria’s Secret Coach and More!

A Hint of Class

Pamela Ward, Owner

We Have Something for Everyone!Check out our Specials!New Classes Forming!

Shop Taft

(661)763-3030

$25Half Hour Massage*

With this coupon* First time clients only

Soleil Tanning Studio303 Gardner Field Rd. St. B.

By: Tonya White

745-4896

Over 10 Years Experience

Pregnancy MassageDeep Tissue

Pain ManagementSports Therapy

Specializing In:

MASSAGE

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

acme jewelry co.F i n e J e w e l r y

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watch Batteries

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

WINNER

IndependentThe T

aft

Best Of

2009READER’S POLL

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts 14K Gold Sterling Silver • Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair Watch Batteries • Candies • Candles • And More!

New Store Hours:Tuesday - Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm

Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pmClosed Sunday and Monday

Handmade Hammond’s Candies

Perfect for Mother’s Day!Mother’s Day is May 9th!

April 23-29, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 3

Community Events.........3

News Briefs......................3

Westside Watcher...........4

Westside Little

League...............................6

Westside News.................7

Westside Horoscopes.....9

Westside

News and Reviews.........9

Classified Ads................10

Inside Community Events

The Taft Independent

210 6th StreetP.O. Box 268

Taft, California 93268(661) 765-6550

Fax (661) 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.TaftIndependent.com

Locally and Independently owned since 2006

The Taft Independent is a locally owned community newspaper published weekly on Fridays for your enjoyment and reading pleasure. We publish 3,250 issues and distribute to over 225 locations in the city of Taft and the neighboring communities of Cuyama Valley, McKittrick, Maricopa, Fellows and Western Kern County, California.

The Independent is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies are $1 each. The contents of the Taft Indepen-dent are copyrighted by the Taft Independent, and may not reproduced without specific written permission from the publisher.

We welcome contributions and suggestions. Our purpose is to present news and issues of importance to our readers.

Subscriptions. Subscription home or mail deliv-ery of the Taft Independent is available for $8.00 per month or $97.00 per year. To subscribe to please call 765-6550.

LETTERS-TO-THE-EDITOR.Send us your letter to Taft Independent at the above address. Limit it to 300 words and include your name, address, and phone number. Fax: (661) 765-6556. Email your letter to: [email protected].

ADVERTISING.Display Ads: Rates and special discounts are available. Contact our advertising representa-tive at (661) 765-6550.Classifieds: Call 765-6550 or fax us at (661) 765-6556. Phone order are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.

Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long

[email protected]

Assistant Managing EditorAdvertising Sales Manager

Jessica Wallis

Layout & DesignIndependent Graphics

Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller

Jessy McCulloch

ColumnistsRandy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins

Staff PhotographerSara Bravo

Circulation ManagerJobe Edgar

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

News BriefsTaft California

“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

Alpha House BBQ and Auction Saturday, April 24th

Alpha House will be holding their annual BBQ and auction Saturday, April 24th at the Westside Recreation and Park District at 5pm. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Taft United Methodist Church 100 Year Anniversary April 25th

Taft’s First Church, Methodist Episcopal Church, built in 1910. Save the date; April 25th. Taft United Methodist Church is celebrating 100 years of ministry. Help us with names and addresses. Come and help us celebrate! 630 North Street. [email protected].

West Kern Oil Museum Annual Yard Sale April 30th and May 1st

The West Kern Oil Museum will be holding their annual Yard Sale Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st at The West Kern Oil Museum, located at 1168 Wood Street. For donation information and times please call 765-6664

Blood Drive Tuesday, May 4th

Houchin’s Blood Mobile will be in Taft on Tuesday, May 4th at the Taft Chamber of Commerce located at 400 Kern Street from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. Please join us and bring a friend and help save more lives!

Homespun Happenings Craft Show & Salad Luncheon Wednesday, May 5th

Let your talents shine, show the world your handiwork. Your hand crafted treasures can be registered on Tuesday, May 4th from 9am to 4pm. The Craft Show and Salad Luncheon will be held Wednesday, May 5th from 11am to 1pm at Peace Lutheran Church, located at 26 Emmons Park Drive. Call for more information to display your crafts and for tickets for a fantastic salad luncheon. ($6.50 donation) at 765-2488 or Shari at 765-6855. Orders will be taken and we will deliver.

Taft Independent 3rd Annual Community Yard Sale May 8th and 9th

It’s time to clean out all your old junk! Get your yard sale in the Taft Independent for the weekend of May 8th and 9th, to be a part of the Community Wide Yard Sale. A pull out map will be available on Friday, May 7th of all the yard sales that weekend. Deadline to place Yard Sale Ad is Wednesday, May 5th. For more info contact us at 765-6550.

Taft Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament Saturday, May 15th

The Taft Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual golf tournamnet fundraiser Saturday, May 15th at Bueana Vista Golf Course. $100 per player or $400 per team. For more information contact the Chamber at 765-2165

Rotary Presents the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra Sunday, May 16th

Rotary Club of Taft will be bringing back the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra Sunday, May 16th from 4pm - 6pm at the Taft Union High School Auditorium. Admission is FREE!

Optimal Hospice 1st Annual Walk and Remember Event Saturday, May 22nd

Optimal Hospice Foundation presents the 1st Annual WALK AND REMEMBER memorial event. Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 8:00am to 12:00pm Beach Park*Bakersfield, Corner of Oak Street and Highway 178 Walk the self-guided 1-mile. Water & snacks provided. Family-oriented event for all ages. Animals on a leash are welcome! The lives will be honored by a butterfly release at 11:30am. For more information or to obtain registration forms, please contact Ann Smart, Foundation Director, 661-716-8000.

Bikers For Christ First Annual Down Biker Run Saturday, May 22nd

Bikers for Christ will be holding their first annual Down Biker Run to assist Westside riders who go down and need assistance. The event will be Saturday, MAy 22nd at Veterans Memorial Park on Kern Street and Hwy. 119. Registration begins at 8am KSU 9:30am. There will be a poker run, raffle prizes, BBQ and great music. $20 per rider/$10 for passenger, includes meal, 1 poker hand and 5 raffle tickets. Any question contact Dwayne Johnson (661)577-6872, [email protected] or Brandon Dillingham (661)330-7198. All donations are tax deductible.

Jump for the Red Cross and Blood Drive Saturday, May 22nd

Jump for the Red Cross and Houchin Community Blood Bank Blood Drive will be held Saturday, May 22nd at Skydive Taft from 10am to 4pm at 500 Airport Road in Taft. Enjoy Tandem Skydiving, BBQ and Raffle. Proceeds from Skydiving and BBQ support the Red Crosss. Contact Amy Sherrill to sign up to give blood at 765-5867

423 Center Street419 Center StreetTaft, Ca 93268(661)763-3527

VISIT TAFTINDEPENDENT.COM

Records Show Councilman Noble Owes $1,200 in Refuse\Sewer Fees, Fails To Renew Business Licenseby Michael Long

Taft City Councilman Craig Noble has refused to pay the City of Taft a bi-monthly business Refuse and Sewer collection fee, according to city records, and has failed to renew his license for his Fitness Connection business located on Center Street. According to city records, Noble was notified by mail in a letter dated June 30, 2009 that his Fitness Connection business was delinquent $699.94 for sewer and trash collection fees for the period ending February 2009, and that other documents show that he is an additional $500.27 for the period June 31, 2009 to February 2010. Businesses located in the city of Taft are required to pay $75.79 per two month period for sewer and refuge collection.City records also show that Noble has not paid his business license fee for 2010 which was due on January 31, 2010.Records show that the $699.94 owed by Noble was referred to a collection agency. Nobel sits on the city’s finance committee and the city’s personnel committee.Calls by the Independent to Noble were not returned.A local citizens group spokesman Greg Grey said he was disappointed by the news that Noble had not paid his fees. “Noble has complained about others receiving gifts of public funds and he is the largest recipient of public funds,” said Grey, President of the Citizens for the Betterment of Taft. “He has failed to pay fees that other business’s are required to pay in the city.” Grey said that in addition to the delinquent fees, Noble also owes more than $8,200 in back rent payments for land he leases from the city on the former railroad property. Noble, who sits on the city’s finance committee, reviews the city’s budget and expenditures. Council Randy Miller was unaware that Noble was behind on the business fees and said that it does not reflect well on the city council. “It certainly does not look good to get behind on fees owed to the city, especially as a sitting councilman, and then ask the rest of the business community to pay their bills,” Miller said. “I am surprised that no one has brought this up at the council.”

Taft City Council Censures Thompsonby Michael Long

After several weeks of delay and consultation with special legal counsel, the Taft City Council approved a censure resolution against Councilman Cliff Thompson for subjecting a city employee to inappropriate and unwarranted behavior and for intruding into the workplace performance of city employees. No employee names were mentioned in the resolution or the staff report. The resolution, watered down from its original content, was sponsored by Councilman Randy Miller. The full council had been meeting with the law firm of Liebert, Cassidy Whitmore in closed session for several months to investigate complaints against Thompson. The law firm retained independent investigator Scott Nelson to investigate the complaints and make findings of fact. The city staff report said that 14 persons including Thompson had been interviewed during the investigation. Councilman Cliff Thompson, requested that the council give him time to review the original resolution and to have time to defend himself against the charges. Thompson also asked to be allowed to make a power point presentation during his 15 minute rebuttal to the censure motion, but Mayor Dave Noerr denied the request. Earlier this month, media reports surfaced that Thompson had been handed a 10 page letter by Mayor Dave Noerr signed by three councilmen asking him to resign from the Taft City Council. Thompson said he would not resign. The resolution, submitted by Councilman Randy Miller and Paul Linder had originally criticized Thompson for violating the public trust, a finding made by a recent Kern County Grand Jury report, but that language was deleted from the censure resolution which will be presented at the City Council meeting on Tuesday night. The censure passed by a 3 - 2 vote, with Craig Noble and Thompson voting no. Complete videos of each councilman’s remarks on the censure, including Thompson’s rebuttal, can be viewed on the Westside Watcher and Taft Independent Facebook pages.

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT April 23-29, 2010

Editorial

Westside WatcherAsian Experience

Asian Food and PizzaLunch and Dinner

Tuesday - Friday 11 am - 2 pm 4 pm - 9 pm

Saturday 4 pm - 9 pm 215 Center Street, Taft

763- 1815

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pmDinner by Reservation

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 6:30 am to 5pm.

Saturday 7 am to 2 pmSundays 7:30 am to 1 pm

1010 6th Street, Taft763-5156

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

Asian Experience

215 Center Street 763-1815

Asian Food and PizzaLunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.Saturday 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Live Music Saturday Nights

Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar

Monday – Friday 6 am to 2 pmSaturday – Sunday 7 am – 2 pm

Dinner Hours Friday and Saturday 6 pm to 9 pm24870 Highway 33, Derby Acres

768-4655

Paik’s Ranch HouseWhere Everybody Meets

Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon. Tues. Thur. Sat. 6 am-9pmSun. Wed. Fri. 6 am - 10pm765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

El Jacalito Authentic Mexican Dining

We do Catering for any Special Event!Orders to go.

Sunday - Thursday10:30 am - 8:00 pmFriday and Saturday10:30 am - 9:00 pm101 B. Street, Taft

763-9890763-9892 fax

Always Fresh!

Mon. - Fri. 10am - 2;30pmDine In or We Deliver

765-4143700 Kern Street Taft, CA

Westside Entertainment

FOXTHEATER

All shows before 6 p.m.- $7.00 -

Late ShowChild and Senior $7.00

Adults $9.00www.taftfoxtheaters.com

765-4802514 Center St

NOW SHOWING

-Alice In Wonderland-Clash of the Titans-The Back-Up Plan

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

Taft Petroleum Club

450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268 Open Monday- Friday 3:30pm to Close

Sagebrush Annie’sWine Tasting

Dinner by Reservation

Award Winning Wines

766-23194211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

Chilled & GrilledEvery Wednesday Night

Bike Night!Drink and Appetizer Specials from 7-9pm.

$1 Drafts!!!

765-2000621 Center Street

Get Your Events in the Westside Entertainment Guide. Call 765-6550 or fax 765-6556

TIKI TIME! Tonight, April 23rd at 7pm with DJ Lotus, Tropical Drink Specials, 50/50, Raffles! $5 at the door, money

raised goes straight to RELAY FOR LIFE!!Brought to you by the Revelers!

Karaoke Contest May 7th at 8pmTop Female and Male Contestant Receive

Dinner and Drink Ticket. Deadline for entry is May 1stCall Tommy at

319-0330

Your RestaurantListed Here.

Call765-6550.

Starting as low as $12 per

week!

Letters to the Editor

Every Friday is Ribeye Steak Dinner Night

Editor: I would like to thank a member of the California Highway Patrol for cruising buy down at the ball fields to help control speeders down Ceder street by the Baseball fields. Last night on April 19 Right after the games had finished about 8.30pm A speeder probably doing about 65+ going down the street as people were walking across the street. I saw the speeder go buy, then after that I saw Adam Tayler with the CHP chase after him and pull him over down by the cemetery. About five minutes later My son Kyle came up to me and asked if I saw the speeding car. I told him yes and he told me that it almost hit him as he was crossing the street in the crosswalk to put his baseball gear up. This made me mad, real mad, because this was the fourth time this year. Somebody has almost got hit by somebody speeding down the street at the fields but at least this time. The speeder was caught. About two months ago I pulled a kid out of the way as a big rig came barreling buy I have been going down to the ball fields for about seven years now and every year this happens. You figure on every night of the week there is probably 150 to 200 people a night kids and adults down at the Little League fields. Not including at the Recreation fields across the street someday our luck is going to run out. And somebody is going to get hit. We need more patrolling and some way to reduce the chance of

Councilman Randy Miller Discusses Censure Resolution

When I was in business with my father years ago one of the few things we agreed on was the fact that about every seven years give or take a few, life makes a change, good, bad or indifferent. In this case, it seems that the City finds itself once again in the embarrassing scenario of having to air our dirty laundry for all the world to see. I’m referring to the Belli/Railroad fiasco that we were embroiled in seven or eight years ago which caused a change in city manager’s, a recall of a councilman, about $450,000 in legal fee’s plus the loss of over $1,000,000 in lobbyist fee’s, political fallout for a councilmen, and the railroad tracks are torn up and will never come back through Taft again. At this time it seems the bad is here to haunt us again and it seems money is perceived as the root of the problem but certainly not on as grand a scale as before. Our City manager is taking some hits on his authority to make contracts and we are dealing with that issue through an employee evaluation process. The Grand Jury report as presented did not issue any new startling news that we weren’t ready to deal with, which we have, what is startling is the absence of any investigation of the issues that bring us to a censure resolution on tonight’s agenda and the behavior of two of our City Councilmen. The issues we are facing is the fact that two councilmen don’t seem to know what their roles are and how far they can go. Without going in to all the ugly details the council majority is looking at the following different council issues: the final work product of a Grand Jury investigation; release of, on two noted occasions, privileged attorney/client work products to the media; conflict of interest issues that includes a non-payment of land lease agreements; entering into a business venture with a City employee and not filing a timely corrected FPPC filing; admitted unethical behavior on the part of one councilman; acts of perceived hostile work environment by one councilman; harassment of employees, councilmen, and the press from the council dais and in the workplace; unwarranted intrusion by one councilman into the employee/employer union negotiated MOU and violating the basic tenant of being a councilman, adherence to the process of the employee chain of command. We have been threatened by these same two council members with lawsuits against the City, which they have sworn to protect. Through all this they continue to think they are right and the rest of us are all

wrong because they don’t like the City Manager. The City Manager did not force them into these bad behaviors. The role of a Councilman in my mind is to oversee the City through the City Manager and to have the vision to see the City through the future. That is the Charter for this City form of government. We do not engage with employees with their personnel issues, we do not intrude into the work place, we do not micro-manage, and one councilman has no more power than that of any other councilman. We are not the experts as some think they are; we have professional staff and contract with specialty vendors to get the work done. The basic rule is you need two other votes to have a majority. It seems that on certain issues that the tide of majority rule has changed. This has caused the tension the Grand Jury spoke about but they did not consider when for many years it was the other way around. This council should be very ashamed of itself that we have allowed ourselves to get to this point where we are voting on whether to censure a fellow councilman. I for one have allowed this behavior to go on far too long and I have been one of many that has enabled this bad behavior. However, please take note when you are judging this council, at least three of your council members have not engaged in the kinds of behaviors I have previously mentioned.In my opinion, we are an embarrassment to the citizens of this City who voted for us and whom we represent and to those on the outside that are looking in and saying” Yeah that’s Taft for you”. I recently met with one of our County elected officials who is getting staff questions regarding our ability to handle City/County commitments in lieu of what they are reading and seeing in the media. How can we be trusted ?? All they know is what they read and hear, they don’t know all the facts as we do over here. This council will have a lot of explaining to do to gain the confidence once again with our elected officials. We have sought legal council to try to guide us through his mess because as you know everyone has their rights, but there seems to be no punishment for these transgressions. How can this council continue to function with members continually having conflict of interests, releasing privileged documents, interfering with labor relations, breaching ethical behavior, and harassing individuals ?? Who do we turn to: our City Attorney who has no answer; Grand Jury; State Attorney General; Fair Political Practices Commission: or civil courts ?? There seems to be no teeth in any law regarding any of these issues except for the seldom-used procedure of a censure resolution against a member. Apparently, according to the intended recipient, there is no shame in having your name associated with a censure. So I ask you, what more can we do to stop these abuses except to ask that the councilman in question resign his position after being confronted with the 10 page document outlining his behavior ?? What’s to keep any

councilman from interrupting official city business and delicate legal matters with seemingly impunity ?? Time will eventually heal these open wounds. I have faith in you, our taxpaying citizens, to know who is the cause of the problems we are facing. This City is still in good financial shape and is still functioning. Staff is doing their jobs in spite of the council problems. Taft is still the safest, cleanest, and friendliest city in Kern County. There is the old adage ”you can fool the people some of the time but not all of the time”. We are at that crossroad right now. It will hurt for awhile. Some people will just have to let go of their old ways. Some people will have to man up. Some people may even have to resign. But, we all need to question what brought us here in the first place. How do we correct it and what do we learn from it ?? Are all of us doing the best we can for our City ?? Isn’t it why you live here and not reside here?

Editor:I suggest everyone who cares about the future of Taft, to watch the City Council Meeting that was held Tuesday April 20th. I was a spectator of that meeting and at the time I wished I had the opportunity to speak. So I have decided to write a letter to the editor to speak my piece. I have the utmost confidence in the ability of this City Council to get to the facts of the matter and execute the proper corrective measures. Dave Noerr, Randy Miller and Paul Linder are honest, trustworthy and hardworking men full of integrity. That I know! I don’t have to shout to you about their character. The way they live their life will tell you. Gentlemen I fully support your efforts and just wanted to let you know that we are behind you! I’m sure the thought has crossed your mind to not run for office again. My response to that is WE NEED YOU!! We need men of your character to move us forward. I know you love this community and serve simply to make Taft a better place. Thank you for all your extra effort and giving up your time to serve our community. I pray that God bless you.

Kelle Black Email: [email protected]

Editor:It is no secret that our state is in a financial mess. Individuals as well as organizations and state agencies are struggling to maintain their respective obligations and responsibilities. School districts are certainly included in this financial morass. The state of California spends more than 62 million dollars per year to fund the STAR exam. It seems to me, that during this economic spiral where every dollar needs to be scrutinized and utilized for the greatest benefit of the public, the STAR test does not have greater importance than people. 62 million dollars could save a lot of jobs.....teachers, aides, librarians, custodial etc. It is my opinion that this test should be put in abeyance until the State of California and the federal Government economic well being is on a rock solid foundation.

Thomas LeClair [email protected]

speeding down there. The speed limit is 35 miles per hour but people still think it is 55 miles per hour.

Robert Tarpley [email protected]

April 23-29, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 5

Westside News

Rodolfo Noriega, Cory Kidd, Jose Barrera and Tony Ramirez led the Taft High varsity tennis team to an 8-1 victory over the 6-4-1 Arvin Bears Thursday, April 8.Arvin earned its only win in No. 1 singles. Taft sophomore Kyle Fleming led junior Alejandro Guapo, 4-3, in a close match when Guapo ran nine games and won the match, 6-4, 6-0. Taft won the rest of the matches. Rodolfo Noriega played a patient, consistent game to beat Alexis Cervantes, 6-4, 6-0. Cory Kidd used a serve-and-volley game to take out Alexis’ twin, Bryan Cervantes, 6-2, 6-2. Jose Barrera dispatched Frank Clemente, 6-0, 6-3. Noriega and Kidd dropped their first set to Guapo and Frank Clemente, 6-4, but the Taft seniors rallied and won the second set, 6-3, and the tiebreaker, 10-8. Barrera and Ramirez beat the twin Cervantes boys, 6-3, 6-4. In an overtime match, No. 9 Ricardo Quintero and No. 10 Tylan Hoffmann held on to beat No. 5 Irvin Hinojosa and No. 8 Blain Mustoe, 6-0, 4-6, 11-9.In an exhibition match, Taft’s No. 8 Joe Estrada and No. 9 Hector Hinojosa beat No. 6 Navarro and No. 7 Carlos Clemente, 6-2, 6-0.Taft improved to 11-5 overall; 3-1 in the SSL. Arvin fell to 6-5-1 and 0-4 in the South Sequoia League. Taft and Bakersfield Christian are tied for second in the SSL behind undefeated Tehachapi. Joel Quintero, Philip Taylor, David Burleson and Luke Coats led Taft’s JV team to a similar 7-2 win at Arvin. Three of the nine matches went to third sets with Taft winning two of the tiebreakers.At No. 1 singles, Quintero double bageled Dan Lopez, 6-0, 6-0. At No. 2, Taylor dominated Marco Sanchez, 6-0, 6-2. At No. 3, Burleson handed German Ramos his first loss of the year, 6-3, 6-4. Arvin won the number 4 and 5 matches when Mario Cabaloza beat David Bailey, 6-1, 6-4, and Miguel Lopez outlasted Josh Maino, 4-6, 6-2, 10-8. Coats dispatched Peter Villalobos, 6-1, 6-0.Taft swept three close doubles matches. Quintero and Burleson came from behind to beat Sanchez and Ramos. The Taft duo was down 6-2, 4-0, when they turned it around and ran six games and then won the tiebreaker, 10-8. In similar fashion, Philip Taylor and Taylor Landers came from behind to beat Lopez and Cabaloza, 3-6, 6-3, 10-6. Coats and Chris Blakely beat Chris Leal and Jose Ramirez, 6-2, 7-5.Taft’s JV improved to 9-3 overall; 3-1 in the SSL.

200 Kern Street • Taft(661)765-6915

Rodolfo Noreiga returns a backhand at the California High School. Tennis Classic March 5. The tournament is billed as the largest high school tournament in the nation.

TUHS Tennis Victory at Classic

Taft Petroleum Club Hosts Chamber of Commerce Mixer

West Kern Oil Museum Clean-Up Rotary Club Health Fair

Parkview Students Celebrate Arbor Day

Students from Mrs. Beebe’s first grade class from Parkview Elementary School planted two Ornamental Pistachio trees along the Rails to Trails during an Arbor Day/Earth Day celebration on

Thursday. Melissa Iger from the Tree Foundation of Kern donated the trees. The students were presented flags by Planning Commissioner, Barry Jameson and were lead in the Pledge of Allegiance by Taft City Manager, Bob Gorson. The students learned the importance of planting trees by Melissa Iger and Chris Krejci and each student shoveled dirt to fill the hole that the new trees were planted in. Each student got to take home their own 2 month old tree to plant and enjoyed a pizza party lunch provided by Little Caesar’s.

The Taft Kiwanis show up at the West Kern Oil Museum last Saturday to clean out the fish pond. Club members pose by the newly clean pond.

The Taft Chamber of Commerce held its membership mixer and a Ribbon Cutting ceremony at the Taft Petroleum Club last Friday. Following the mixer, the club offered up a steak dinner and good hospitality.

The Taft Rotary Club helds it annual Health Fair and Peddlers Fair last Saturday at Taft High School. Hundreds showed up to the Health Fair for free medical information. The Peddlers Fair featured several vendors and artisans with plenty of items for sale.

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By Kent Miller

It is the year 2023 and Sarae Heather is a resident of the new housing development near the Kmart store, east of Highway 33.A beautiful spring Saturday, Heather decides to take advantage of the mild weather and escort her teen-age daughter and two pre-teen sons on a bicycle ride on the Rails to Trails into downtown Taft. Carson, 12, has to do a report on the importance of oil to Taft and the Westside. They can visit the Oil Museum and the Oilworker Memorial; then have lunch at a sit-down restaurant adjoining the hotel on the former Union Pacific Railroad property that makes up the “destination” portion of the pedestrian and bicycle path that circles through the community. Aaron, 7, wants to see if the North Street Game Store has received its latest shipment of the 3-D attachment for the 11-G Super Zpod that no elementary school student would be without.Michele, 18, wants to go to the new bookstore in the Pioneer Mercantile Building and then see the art display at the Something Old antique store. There is the regular showing of offerings by local artists – ranging from college students to senior citizens. But it is the works by winners in the eighth annual citywide junior high and high school art competition on display at the store that has Michele’s interest. She finished second in the high school bracket with a watercolor painting. After lunch, visits to several trendy downtown shops, and stopping by Grandpa Heather’s apartment in the 65-and-Up senior citizens’ housing complex, the family will take the long way home, looping through the city on the five-mile bicycle and pedestrian path. Just a dream? For now, yes. But for tomorrow, local civic leaders see it as the future of Taft.

A destination “There is nothing new about the design of this project,” Taft Mayor Dave Noerr said of the city’s plans for the 160 acres that include and adjoin the former Union Pacific property on the south side of Taft’s downtown. “It has been going on for years.”

Of the 160 acres, 46 acres is the former Union Pacific property with the remainder in the downtown business area adjacent to the former rail tracks property. The council has chosen Geary Coats of Coats Consulting in Carmel as master planner and developer for the project, said Bud Rice, city GIS and Development Services manager. “Coats has a theme for the area and is looking for businesses who want to build in the area: senior housing, college housing, businesses,” said Rice, who worked with Coats in Delano.“If it fits within his plan he will notify them and start. The city owns the property but ... (will give) full rights to the planner through the Downtown Development Agreement. “When the agreement is done, he will have full rights but it is looked-at by the council. He will stay within guidelines set by the

city. He will set the theme. He has authority to negotiate with businesses in the boundaries. He looks at the architectural designs to keep with the theme.” City Manager Bob Gorson said he hopes to have the Downtown Development Agreement ready to go to the City Council in May. “We are working on it diligently,” Mayor Noerr said.Coats wants to put-to-rest worries of some business-owners concerning the agreement. “There is a concern among existing business-owners that we will force them out,” he said. “No! We are not going to force anyone out in any way, shape or form.”The new project will be incorporated with the existing businesses, Coats said. The city had plans when they bought the land in late 2008, Rice said. “They knew they had to have a planner and developer for the project to improve the ... (former Union Pacific) area and neighboring areas as well. “We are interested with what is on Center and North streets. We

want the flow to be there (from the former Union Pacific area to existing areas). We are looking 10 to 15 years out for full development.” The Oilworker Memorial is

a major feature of the project area, said City Manager Gorson. “I expect to see people come from all over to see the memorial,” he said. “I can see advertising the monument for day trips, including the Oil Field Highway, the Oil Museum, Carrizo Plains National Monument.” Gorson said he hopes to see Taft as a destination city.

Work in progress Ideas for development of the area – centered around the Oilworker Memorial and the trail – are a work in progress, Mayor Noerr said. “It’s quite exciting,” he said. “I’m very excited about it. The flavor of the development is the most important. ... (It will be) a state-of-the-art walk-able community, (with) alternative transportation. There are sure to be restaurants, shops; could be government buildings; an extension of the college (such as) housing. “That is where we are heading, multiple use.” Noerr is among those who see the Oilworker Memorial as “a destination (that will) help set the flavor for the Rails to Trails (and the 5-mile bicycle and pedestrian path through the city). We hope for a complete loop through the community ... (with the memorial) to be the anchor.” City Manager Gorson said: “In general it is a very exciting opportunity for the community to have property like this in the downtown. Instead of letting things go, it is a great opportunity to take the city and ... make the area more efficient and appealing while maintaining the history of the city and the downtown.”Gorson said he hopes there will be 1.15 million square feet of mixed land uses: hotel, restaurants, housing, destination entertainment (possibly an arcade, a bowling alley, fast food restaurants) in the project. “Taft College students liked the idea for the Rails, with student housing in the area,” the city manager said. “Taft College will have a presence, possibly with a well-ness center, bookstore, student housing. Limited housing (for senior citizens and/or Taft College students) will be included in the area.” Master planner/developer Coats submitted a site plan to the Downtown Business Committee for information purposes, Gorson said. “Phase 1 will start construction within 18 months of the

Rails to Trails Redevlopment Proposal Promises To Bring Life Back To Downtown Taft

Rest stop on the Rails to Trails walkway.

Oil Derrick donated by Aera Employees

Former Taft Railway Station. One idea is to create coffee house and deli in the building.

April 23-29, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 7

Cuyama Valley High School Annual Car Show

The Annual Cuyama Car Show was held at the High School Last Saturday. Over 140 cars and trucks were entered into the show.

agreement’s execution,” he said.“Some companies have shown interest to start within 18 months of the agreement’s execution.That should lead to other commercial interest. Twenty-one businesses are interested in the Rails site.”

Ideas Sought “Most of the public response came from (people at) the City Council meeting,” Coats said. There was also public response from people at the meetings with the Chamber of Commerce and Westside Business-owners group, he said.“We will be holding several more presentations; to the Planning Commission, the chamber, the Westside Business-owners,” Coats said. “We do have a hotel that has shown interest in locating there; and a sit-down restaurant has shown interest in locating there.“A high-density developer has shown interest.” That project would be apartments for seniors and for families.” He can’t reveal any names of the interested parties until the agreement with the city is finalized. “We have also had meetings with Taft College, concerning their need for student housing and off-campus needs (such as evening classrooms),” Coats said. “We are working in conjunction with the City of Taft in seeking federal grant money to improve the park area within the plan.”The park area is adjacent to the Trails land and plans include an amphitheater, 1.5-acre park site, a water element, and a connecting point to downtown at 4th Street, he said. Anyone can contribute ideas for the area, Gorson said.“In the past three years, 113 meetings, workshops, etc. have been held,” he said. “It is not too late. People are encouraged to participate. No definite meetings are set now but there will be sessions held soon. There will be plenty more.”Coats has experience in integrating the old with the new, the city manager said. “(Coats) is developing standards for both the old and new within the area – to help integrate the old with the new,” Gorson said. “He is the kind of developer I like to work with ... provide for changes over time and accommodate that change.”Coats will also do the market study on economic development benefits. “That market study will tell us a lot about what our community wants and can support,” Gorson said. “There are no estimates yet on jobs or tax revenues. “There will be some new types of businesses, places where young people can go. (It will) create more pedestrian traffic downtown. People will be attracted to the downtown. “The site plan will change a lot as we get more input – especially with the market survey. That’s going to change things.”

“Fantastic” The Taft Chamber of Commerce met with Coats earlier this month, said Fred Schell, executive director of the chamber.“We were trying to get a feel of where he is coming from,” Schell said. “It is a preliminary site plan. Nothing is really cut into stone. There is room for flexibility. “The overall concept seems to be right on target. It is nice that he and the city agreed to have public input and transparency in their going forward with this. “The city has been very open to our Downtown City committee. There has been ample opportunity to have input to the project. They seem open to our suggestions. (But) so far, it is all words.” Part of the reason for the meetings was for the public to have an opportunity for input, Noerr said. “It is their project, their city,” he said. Coats is not going to take over the downtown area, Schell said.“What is good about the project manager is – rumors not the case -- he is not going to take over the project,” the chamber director said. “He has a theme for downtown. There is ample opportunity to contribute. “(The Rails to Trails project) is fantastic. It will definitely help in making Taft a destination city. It is giving something really nice to the community, a boost in moral.” By Oildorado Days in mid-October, the Oil Worker Memorial will have been started and maybe finished, he said. And hopefully at the next City Council meeting, Fifth Street will be closed and “we will have our own small plaza then.”

Historic Fort Sponsors Annual TIL Program Wine TastingThe Historic Fort held the Annual Taft College TIL Program Wine Tasting event on Thursday evening.

8 TAFT INDEPENDENT April 23-29, 2010

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First Congregational Church of MaricopaSunday 10 a.m.

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Hi Everyone,

Well, the Grand Jury report came back and the City Council held a special meeting and responded to all the items and the eight recommendations. I think the council learned a lot about the

Grand Jury process and I don’t think the majority of the Council would like to go through that process again. It seems the Council was under fire for allowing a budget item to get by and when we came aware of it, we fixed the problem as quickly as we could, about five months later. The tone of the Grand Jury report seems to suggest that this sitting Council is not aware of what they are doing. I want to let you know in the seven years that I have been on the council we have accomplished quite a lot. Here are some of the things we have worked on: expanding our Sphere of Influence, annexation issues, developing our General Plan and all of its elements, purchase of the Rail Road property, expanding the Rails to Trails, and all the studies and public workshops and meetings that were related to these issues. We are working on expanding and replacing our wastewater treatment plant; studying ways to limit of the discharge of wastewater into Sandy Creek from the Federal Prison; studying the best way to utilize the airport; decertifying Sandy Creek as an navigatible waterway; street runoff issues into Sandy Creek; environmental studies that are related to all the land use issues around Taft, and securing grant monies to make all these things work without it coming out of the pockets of our Taft citizens. We have had to hire a new City Manager; disband our Fire Department saving the City a boat load of money; we are helping the County with Code Enforcement; working with County Animal Control and the Sheriff Departments for better cooperation; dealing with our employees who have personnel issues; dealing with union labor negotiations; buying equipment for all departments so they can function better; working with the Department of Corrections on issues concerning our CCF facility; working with a myriad of governmental agencies that have influence on how we can operate as a City. We have worked with many developers who came to Taft to seek their fortunes and all their development ideas; we are working on our downtown General Plan; working with a Master Developer to layout the future use of the Railroad property; we are repairing and resurfacing our streets and roads as fast as we can with the monies that are available; we have purchased, improved, and lighted our public parking lots; have purchased, cleaned up, placed liens, and demolished old abandoned structures in the City. The Council has had its own internal issues to deal with along with legal complaints against the City; citizens requests for help; the yearly Budget issues; working with the Chamber, Oildorado, and the Oil Workers Monument committee; making public appearances; taking time for appointments to various boards and commissions: attending conferences and workshops; constantly applying for grants; working as the Redevelopment Agency; and probably the best part of the job is dealing with the press and media to put the best light we can on our City not to mention the Grand Jury interviews. Oh sure !! None of us on the Council are experts on all these issues but we rely on each other, our professional staff and legal council to guide us through all this stuff. I probably have left out a bunch of things, but I ask you how many of you out there would want to tackle all this for $300 a month ??? So, I take umbrage with the Grand Jury for raking us over the coals on a single issue, out of the bundle we deal with each month. While we don’t always get along, you can go back seven years and find this Council has been in agreement almost 90%+ of the time with no Grand Jury investigation needed. We wear many hats and I know each of us do the best we can for the citizens of Taft and where we can, for all the citizens on the Westside.No one Councilman can take credit for any of the things I mentioned above because to approve anything it takes three yes votes to “get’r done”. Past practice will show that due credit has been given for extra effort but this is a team effort and the old adage applies: “There is no I in Team”. Don’t give up on your City. There are many outside of Taft who are quite amused at what is going on at City Hall and are looking at ways to point fingers down at us. If the Grand Jury had anything positive to say it was that you, the citizens of Taft, need to stand up, be informed, and be involved. You can do that in many ways besides getting involved in the “political stuff ”. Just ask any of us how; remember you live here, not just reside here, don’t you ??? See you around town.Randy

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Westside News and Reviews

Aries (March 21-April 19): There are certain actions and reactions that once done, can never be taken back or made up for. Think very carefully before you commit any of them.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): While you don’t really have anything to be sorry for, the fact that you are anyway shows your true character – and makes all the difference in moving past this.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): This is definitely going to be a rough week for you. Just do whatever is necessary to keep your energy up and get through it.

Cancer ( June 21-July 22): You’re not in an easy situation at all, but you’ll have to get through it because it’s for the best, period. I wish there was another way, but unfortunately this is it.

Leo ( July 23-August 22): You’ll get to enjoy a slower pace in another two weeks or so. You’ll just have to stay at this higher gear until then, which is when you can relax.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): Whether you think you do or not, you owe a lot of people a very genuine apology. Genuine-sounding will work even if you have your reservations. Libra (September 23-October 22): This is an amazing week for new opportunities, so keep your mind open as well as your eyes and ears and you’ll be surprised what comes your way.

Scorpio (October 23-November 22): You have every right to let your temper fly off the handle right now, but it would be better for everyone if you held it together and stayed calm.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21): You know your limits and if you continue to push them, you really can’t blame anyone but yourself when things turn out badly.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): This would be a great time to take a road trip out of town. It doesn’t have to be too far or expensive, but a change of scenery would do you a lot of good.

Aquarius ( January 20-February 19): Your timing could not be better this week with regards to, well, just about everything. You’ve got the Midas touch, so enjoy it while you’ve got it.

Pisces (February 20-March 20: Right now it has to be up to you to push yourself. No one else can give you the motivation you currently need, so do what you must to get fired up.

If your birthday is this week: You may know your feelings are inappropriate, but that won’t magically make them go away. As long as you don’t take any action or let this affect yourself or others, then you’re not doing anybody any harm. But believe me when I say, letting your true feelings be known would be an epic disaster.

Mark Your Calendar For the Spring 2010

Taft Community Yard SalePut Your Yard Sale on our Map

Call The Independent at 765-6550 Today

Saturday, May 8thHouseholds - Businesses - Churches - Non-Profits

Community Organizations - SchoolsEveryone Welcome!

The Independent will Promote Your Yard, Moving or Estate Sale in our Friday, May 7th Issue FREE.

We will indicate your Yard Sale location with a flag on our centerfold color 2 Page Map of Taft. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

Deadline to Place Yard Sale Ad for this Issue is Wednesday, May 5th.

Call Today to get your yard sale on the map (661) 765-6550Please leave a message with your address, date, and time of yard sale.

Or fax us your Yard Sale Ad Information to (661) 765-6556 or email us your yard sale at [email protected]

Printed Yard Sale Signs available for $3 and Display ads available in the paper for $12 and up.

The TaftIndependent

Josh Tims of Taft will be the guest speaker at the Taft Chamber of Commerce Breakfast on April 28th. Josh, US Air Force, spent eight months in Iraq rebuilding the Iraqi police force. Josh and his wife, Christine, are now building a new home in Taft for their family. Josh is excited about living in and becoming involved in Taft and becoming an active member of the community. He wants to get the truth out about what is happening in Iraq and what lessons he has learned for his life here. The Taft Chamber of Commerce Breakfast will be held at Jo’s Restaurant Wednesday, April 28th at 9am. Breakfast can be purchased for $10 or a $10 donation is requested.

Josh Tims to Speak at Chamber Sit ‘N Sip Breakfast April 28th

On April 28th at 1100 hours there will be a multi-agency drill to exercise Operations and Communications between our local Public Safety agencies. Taft Police Department, Kern County Sheriff ’s Department, Hall’s Ambulance and Kern County Fire Department will participate with the Clariant Corporation to ensure their Emergency plan is effective. The Drill will simulate a Fire, with injuries that may create a hazard to the area East of the plant. The simulated hazard area will be between Oleander and 10th Streets, and W. San Emidio and W. Ash Streets. The people living in the area may notice Emergency vehicles in the area, but should not worry. The Drill will provide a review to identify any ideas to improve the Emergency plan.

The Taft Union High School Pretour Band Concert April 26th in the gym at 7:00pm. Our Taft High Band is leaving for San Diego this Friday to perform at San Yisidro High School. The three pieces they performed at a Festival at Stockdale in March and were awarded a Unanimous Superior, meaning all three judges gave them a Superior rating, the highest rating. The music of this concert features soloists: Rodolfo Noriega on Flute, Emily Graham on Trumpet, Anthony Carino on Baritone. The concert will be quick and will be less than one hour....please join us at the gym for some wonderful music.

Full Band ( from left to right): Annie Davis, Jessa Dahlgren, Bobbi Preskitt, Krystle Holder, Jeremias Xancale, Xavier Chavez, David Norton, Jesus Lopez, Rodolfo Noriega, Nicole Frost, Tylan Hoffmann, Kasey Stuntebeck, Emily Grahm, Jerry Uribe, Gloria Hartley, Andrew Lund, Cristian Magana, Alexis Juarez, Ethan Robinson, Edwin Cazares, Heather Cash, Matthew Maxcy, Wyttnie Campbell, Pauline Roxas, Christie Rogers, Ashley Ramos, Angelica McCrossen, Hector Hinojosa, Cameron London, Kimbeverly Alita, Jimmy Eiland, Juan Martinez, Brad Rofkahr, Timothy Casteel, Benjamin Pitts.

TUHS Pretour Band Concert April 26th

Public Safety Multi-Agency Practice Drill

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT April 23-29, 2010

ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for up to 5 lines, and $7 per issue for up to 10 lines. Yard Sale ads are free. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 lines, $16 for 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20 lines.

Photo Ads. Car, truck or house for sale ads are $5 per week, or $10 with a photo. Email us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

Classified ads deadline is now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268.

ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $2.00 per line. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

Ad your photograph for $5. Ad your company logo for $5. Boxed ads are $3 additional. E-mail us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

Yard Sale ads are free, up to 3 lines.

Classified ad deadline is Thursday at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

E-mail: [email protected]

Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268, 765-6550.

at First Baptist Church. 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 220 N. First St. Free and open to the public. Info call 716-4000.

For problems with Alcohol, Alcoholics Anonymous. 765-4016 or 763-3856.

A.A. Womens Meeting. Tuesdays 6:30-7:30. 703 5th Street. 889-8011.

COMPUTER SERVICES

Desktop and Laptop Repair. Upgrades. Home Theater Installation. See price list at TaftPCServices.com. 623-5188.

HELP WANTEDTUHS Class of 1970 hosts the “All TUHS Reunion” October 22-24, at the Oildorado Midway Pavilion Tent on the “Rails to Trails” between 6th and 5th Streets, Taft.

We are looking for the following friends and classmates for the 40th Reunion: Betty Aeilts, Carol Beasley, Joselyn Brenoel, Debbie Downing, Brenda Everett, Sally Goff, Clyde Eugene Green, Cliff Halcomb, David Harrell, Gary Hollingsworth, Steve Jones, Nancy Keeler, Terri Kensinger, Robert Lambright, Blaine McCoy, Marlene Michaels, Richard Michaels, Sherri Mundy, Dianna Murray, Doug Myers, Nelson Robinson, John Rohall, Anita Schmidt, Phyliss Simmons, Dennis Smith, Sue Smith, Debbie Snellgrove, Barbara Taxdahl, Linda Thompson, Albert Weigand, Sharon White.Contact Don @ 661-763-5242. Kathy @ 661-654-3343 or Cherie @ 661-765-6621 or [email protected]

Business ServicesCleaning Services

My Fair LadiesCleaning ServicesComm. and ResidentialServing the Westside661.477.3455Lic. No. 007657

Rite Away Carpet CleaningCarpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General CleaningOwner OperatedVisa\Master Card 765-4191

New Designer Nail Fashion.

Now in Taft by Jackie King.Studio 111

991.765.5758

YARD SALESAdvertise your FREE yard sale ad. Up to 3 lines free. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 2 p.m. Thursday.

Shop at Ben’s Books on Center Street in Taft! Beginning next Wednesday, April 14, 2-4 p.m. Ben’s will be offering complimentary tea and scones!

Yard Sale 426 Eastern Ave. Fri. & Sat. 7am - ? Used bricks, duck collection, misc.

Multifamily yard sale to benifit ACS relay 4 life team. Lots of good stuff. 423 D Street starts at 8:00am till all is gone.

Indoor Yard Sale 607 6th - Sat. May 1st- 8am. NEW & USED MISC. Cabinet doors & misc., furn., 15 ft. of kitchen cabinets, Office furn. w/granite clothing, household decor.

Huge Yard Sale at Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Sunday, May 2nd 7am-3pm. Harrison and Date St. All proceeds benefit our food pantry for community service.

ANNOUNCEMENTSKern County CA Citizens for Recall of Incompetent or Willfully Disregarding, by Kerry Fritz II, www.youtube/user/fems2112

Grief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. 1:30p.m. to 3:00 p.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. And 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month

Help wanted. Bar Tender, no experience ness. Prep cook. 765-6909.

week as of 1-29-10 CARPET AND FLOORING

CARPET/HARD FLOORING REPAIR

No job too small. Reasonable prices. Call Jeff 623-5421 or 765-

4676.

LIVESTOCK

WANTEDJunk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

FOR SALE

Oak claw ft. table, 4 chairs, 2 capt. and leaf. $275 obo 765-5237

2002 Yamaha Raptor 660 Quad. After market modification. $2,500 obo. (661) 805-1206.

2x long twin beds. $35 ea. sheets, pads free. Modern, tan, leather lounge chair w/hassock $40. 765-5314

2008 Lance scooter 150. 700 miles $1,600. 763-3878

LOST PETSLost on March 2nd. near 100 E. Warren. Small white Maltese. Goes by the name Camey. Please call 661-496-4943.

Missing female boxer, 6 months old. Call 699-4225 or 912-3983

Female Black, brn paws and brn eye browns. Small fat dog. Purple collar. Daisy. 100 Bock North Street. 577-6309.

Lost dog. 7 yrs old black lab. answers to name Shadow. Lost near 925 2nd St. Call 706-7749.

PETSLab Puppies, Free to good home! Very cute and sweet! 4 boys, and 3 girls. Call 431-4084, or 578-7560

FOUND PETS

AUTOMOBILES

1988 Ford F-150 Auto., smogged and tagged. 765-2574. $2,100.

1996 Dodge Ram 2500, V-10, 8 Liter, 3/4 Ton, 4WD, 5th wheel hitch,$6,000.00 OBO, Ask for Louie 805-448-5836

‘89 Mercury Topaz runs great. 331-4727

‘97 Ford ranger pick up XLT V6. 91,000 miles. $3,500. 763-3878

PERSONALS

Magic Touch. New Vacancies Available. Email to [email protected].

Female skydiver looking for a inexpensive place to park my trailer where I can stay on weekends. Electrical hookups would be great! (818)723-2565

PROPERTY MANAGEMENTTaft Property Management

1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms now available in good

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

04417057

661-577-7136

OPEN HOUSE HOUSE FOR SALE

Amber Street HomesBrand New 3 bedroom and 2 bath homes(Front Street between 6th and 5th Streets)

For Private Showing Call 763-3517For More Information Please Call 763-3517

March 29th and 30thSaturday and Sunsay

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 29th and 30thSaturday and Sunday

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

From $220,000

Brand New Homes in Taft. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, granite counters, Fully Landscaped, Covered Patios. Call (661)763-3517

HOMES FOR SALEwww.BuyKernCounty.comWe work for you NOT

the bank. HUD/ REO’s/ Short sales/Etc.

Specializing in the Taft Area

661-332-6597 Karri Christensen

Real Estate eBroker

AffordableResidential HomesOwner Financing

Available

Run Your

Home or

Busines

Services ad

in the Taft

Independent!

Call 765-6550.

Advertise in the Taft Independent.

We Get it Ready. We Get it Right.Call 765-6550 Today.

Taft Construction,Air Conditioning and

Heating

We Do All Phases of Construction

Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

Place YourClassified Ad in the

Taft Independent Today!

$2 per line. The best Classified Ad price in Taft or the Westside.

Call 765-6550 or email your classifed ad text to

[email protected].

Inc #01522411 & #01333971

Taft. 210 Naylor St. 3bd. 1 ba. Remodled. $750 mo. plus. Dep. 661.717.9056 or 909.239.8337. Se habla espanol.

615 Taylor. 2bd. 1 bath. Large back yard, fenced with detached garage. (661) 765-2875.

Wanted. Any Investor with $5,000 cash to buy and own 1/2 of a house in Taft. (408) 804-0304.

HOMES FOR RENT

West ValleyReal Estate

First time home buyer tax credit extended. Houses available from $13,000 to $370,000. Gorgeous 3/2 granite, pool, $217,000. Completely remodeled 3/2 with studio in back. $139,900. Residential commercial bank owned HUD and Investment. (661) 763-1500. www.BuySellManage.com.

Maricopa 3 bd 2 ba home. Fenced yard reasonably close to schools with a lawn front and back. Garden area, Biking trails. Double pane windows with good size rooms with central heat and air. Great kitchen and large living room Double car garage converted to a large rec room with a special area for working with the tools. Asking $1,100 call (925) 408-5756 or (661) 857-1965.

2bd 1 ba. Fenced yard, work shop, close to schools, Fresh paint and carpet. $650 mo. 925-408-5756 or 661 857-1965.

2bd 1 ba. newly renovated. Large fenced yard. $800 mo. $750. Ref. Req. 765-2819.

House for rent at 115 Kern St. 2 Bedroom plus office or small 3rd bedroom. One bedroom is big enough for two kids. Double lot right downtown. $695 plus deposit available now. Call Mark King at 805-689-4122. Apartment in duplex for rent at 405 San Emidio. 1/1 with laundry and

huge shared back yard. $595 plus deposit. Call Mark King at 805-689-4122.

2bd, 1ba. 27595 Valley West Rd. Valley Acres. Avail. now. $650 mo + dep. 805-712-03541 bd. downtown Taft. Off street parking. 319 1/2 North Street. Fenced Yard. $500 mo. plus dep. 661-623-5188.

Two BR/one bath for rent. $700 per mo./$700 security Call (661) 623-0453

3bd, 2ba, with garage, W&D hookups, fenced yard, and fresh paint. $1,100 mo + $1,000 dep. Avail. 4/1/10 763-8941

1st Month Free! $100 move in. 108 Center Street. 1 bd., 1 ba. apt. (661)846-6403. Equal Housing Opportunity.

2 bd 1 ba, $650 mo. + $600 dep. Apt. located at 424 Woodrow. Car port, laundry, dish hook-ups. Large front and back yard. 1 car garage. Hablo Espanol 805-746-5410. Avail 12/6.

FOR LEASE 2 bedroom 1 bath house in Taft heights washer and gas dryer hook ups $700 a month contact Rick at either (661)765-2328 or (661)342-5877 section 8 ok available now.

Preserving for the Future

GRANITE OVERLAYSKitchens • Bathrooms Showers • Fireplaces

No tear out required - Goes over any surfaceRLK Coatings

661-623-7039 661-366-5460

Beautiful, lrg, well maintained 2 bdr condo. Private yard, prof. landscaping, private carport and entrance. 555 Front St. Excellent ref req. $875 mo. 745-4650 (805)226-8463

2bd, 1ba, condo 533 Front St. W&D hookups + yard. $850 mo + dep. 661-577-7020

Room for rent $500 mow/ bath & utilities. Horsestale for rent $100 mo.You feed and clean.Dustin Acres. 661-342-7893

Maricopa. 2bd, 1ba, garage and fenced yard. $700 mo. + dep. Refridgerator, stove, washer and dryer provided. Now taking applications. 301-0754

2bd, 1ba, newly renovated. Large fenced yard. $800 mo. + $750 dep. Ref. Req. 765-2819

APART. FOR RENTCreekside Apartments. 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674. 420 Finley Dr.

Courtyard Terrace Apts. 1 and 2 bdrm’s. Pool, lndry rm.,1210 4th St. Apt. 1. Sec. 8 OK. (661) 763-1333. Taft Manna

4 UFree Hot Lunches

and ClothingTuesday and Thursdays11:30 - 1:30

201 Harrison Street(661)205-3376

April 23-29, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 11

Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3

western shop & PET SUPPLY

419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

ADAMSFlea & Tick

Visit our website for more informationwww.shawswesternshop.com

Advertise in the Taft IndependentCall Today! 765-6550

Somos una Agencia Independiente Con Varias Aseguradoras Prominentes Para Darle El Mejor Servicio

Lo Representamos A Usted Para Darle Un Excelente Servicio Como Usted Se Lo Merece

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

420 Center StreetTaft, Ca 93268(661)745-4920Lic. # 0277365

www.edherrerainsurance.com

Le Ofrecemos Los Mejores Precios

Auto - Casa - Salud - Negocio - Notario Publico

NuestroPersonalAmable

No Appointment Needed For Smog Check!

QIKSmog & Tune

500 S. 10th Street • Taft661-763-4445

• Certified Gold Shield

& C. A. P. Station

• General Automotive

Repair

Free Retest with our repairs!We Certify Test- Only Vehicals

Biospot for CatsSpot ons: FRONTLINE Plus

Advantage TRI Force

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ise

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aft

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4 Bedroom 2.5 bath home on a large cul-de-sac lot w/a court-yard entry, game room, 3 car shop w/cooler, pool, covered patio w/wet-bar and RV parking! Newer tile roof, paint, A/C, dual-

pane vinyl windows, granite in kitchen, custom oak cabinetry, banquet breakfast nook, formal dining room, indoor laundry, ceiling fans, sola-tubes, recessed lighting, tankless water heater & hardwood floors. A 1000 sq. ft. detached garage! Lots of storage including a 10x20 shed, pool

storage structure and enclosed exterior storage!

Contact: (661) 809-1782

$270,000 • 4 Bed/2.5 Bath • 208 Robin Way • Taft

RLK Coatings Oil production tank owners & operators get ready for the

November 10th 2010 deadline that requires secondary contaiment be lined. Fines are $5000.00/day for the first time & $10,000.00/day for repeat violations.

• Our spray applied systems that are seamless & in event of a spill offers 100% recovery with easy cleanup.

• Membranes are long lived,tough & resilient • Withstands thermal cycling & UV exposure

• No VOC’s • Nontoxic • Non-Flammable • Instant Set • Quick Return to Service• Spray Liners Can Be Used as Waterproofing • Eliminate Roof Replacement-Leaks

• Breath New Life Into Old Rusted Out Tanks • Line Sumps • Mud Pits • Whatever Needs Contained

For more information on services & the new law please visit our website

Sales 661-623-7039 Office 661-623-7039www.rlkcoatings.com

No • BiteFlea & Tick

ZODIACFleatrol

New Products Just in Time for Flea Season!

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT April 23-29, 2010

Randy’s Trucking, Inc.Now Renting

U-Cart Away Concrete MixerStarting at $44

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street, Taft, CA 93268

• Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer

• Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping

• Mixes Concrete While Traveling

• Large Internal Blades

• Rear Operator Control PanelCement Available 7 Days A Week

(661) 763-4773

ANDERSON BUSINESS SERVICESBookkeeping and Income Tax Preparation

TAX TIME IS HERE!Make Your Appointment Early.

10% OFFWITH THIS AD

NEW CLIENTS ONLYVisit

ABSTAFT.com

Sandy Anderson

Call for Appointment: 765-7665 or 577-6790

RV STORAGE1124 4th Street, Taft (661) 765-4352

Open 7 Days a Week

BARRON PROPERTIESManagement/Sales

“Putting Management back into your Property”

Ethele M. Barron325 Kern Street

[email protected]

(661) 763-9000 • Fax: (661) 763-9001 DRE# 01812075

Advertise in the Taft Independent Call Today (661)765-6550

Open House Saturday May 8th 12:15 – 2:30pm

4 Bdrm, 2 Bath, 3 Car Garage, Spa

$349,000

Stephen Wright’s

503 6th St. Taft, CA • (661)765-5274 • South Valley Realty

DRE# 0141546010605 Odyssy Way, BV Estates